One of the last survivors of devastating 1906 earthquake who 'watched San Francisco burn' dies aged 109

Aged three, Rose Cliver was only a toddler when the city around her violently shook and nearly burned to the ground.

She was one of the survivors of the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, which essentially flattened the entire city to the ground and took the lives of more than 3,000 people.

At age 109, Miss Cliver was one of the last survivors of the quake that happened more than a century ago. She died Saturday in Santa Rosa.

Scroll down for video from the quake

Memorial: Survivors of the 1906 earthquake William Del Monte, age 103, (left) and Rose Cliver, age 106, (right) are welcomed at the ceremony for the anniversary of the earthquake at Lotta's Fountain on April 18, 2009

Ash and smoke: Rose Cliver, who died aged 109 and was a survivor of the 1906 quake, said her family climbed to the top of Bernal Hill and 'watched San Francisco burn'

In 1906, San Francisco was the most important port on the Pacific coast, and, despite being founded only 60 years before, enjoyed world renown.

Miss Cliver lived with her family in Bernal Heights at the time of the quake.

She told the San Francisco Chronicle that she and her family climbed Bernal Hill after the earthquake to and ‘watched San Fancisco burn.’

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'They wouldn't let us in our house afterward,' she told the paper in 2009. 'We had to live in the backyard in a tent.'

The Army sent in their entire stock of tents so survivors would have shelter from the elements.

The Chronicle notes that the family's house on Gates Street stands to this day.

Despite being born prematurely, Miss Cliver had a healthy childhood. As one of thirteen siblings, she went on to get married and start a family.

Devastation: More than 3,000 people died in the great shake of 1906 as fires ravaged the crumbled city

Pieces of history: The Central Tower Building (right photo) is located at the site of the former Call Building (left photo) and was remodeled and renamed in 1938

Before and after: One hundred years after the quake, some buildings, like the San Francisco Marketplace, right, still stand and are reminders of the city's tragic past

THE GREAT SHAKE OF 1906

A massive earthquake swept through San Francisco in the early hours of 18 April 1906. Caused by the San Andreas fault, tremors could be felt from Oregon to Los Angeles and were even traced in Germany.

Up to 3,000 people died, and more than 28,000 buildings were destroyed. The quake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale.

The fires, which burned uncontrolled for days, were fuelled by broken gas mains and the city’s wooden buildings.

Her son Don said that she enjoyed her ’15 minutes of fame’ at the annual earthquake commemoration in 2009, the Chronicle said.

The paper said that in later life, Miss Cliver enjoyed playing slots and travelling.

Lee Housekeeper, who organises San Francisco’s annual remembrances each April 18, said this year’s ceremony will be dedicated to Miss Cliver.

Funeral arrangements for Miss Cliver have not yet been arranged.

She will be toasted at noon at John’s Grill, the first restaurant rebuilt after the earthquake.

Mr Housekeeper described her as a ‘pistol’ with razor-sharp wit and a healthy sense of humour.

He told MailOnline: ‘There’s something about being tossed out of your bed at five in the morning - what more can happen?

'If you can get through that, you have a pretty good sense of humour.’

There are now four survivors. Mr Housekeeper identified them to MailOnline as George Quilici, born in 1905, Winnie Hook, born only two months before the quake, Ruth Newman, born in 1901, and William Del Monte.

Meeting point: Lotta Fountain, pictured in 1905 and current day, served as the meeting point for friends and family after the 1906 quake, as it was one of the only landmarks left standing

Gathering together: Those wishing to honour Ms Cliver held a toast to her at noon today at John's Grill; William Del Monte, right, pictured at the April 2010 remembrance

Pistol: Rose Cliver was described as a 'pistol' with a great sense of humour. She often joked that her hearing aid was a Bluetooth

In 2006, the city observed the centennial anniversary of the horrendous quake.

One government report listed more than 28,000 buildings destroyed in the fire – more than three quarters of the city.

Hundreds of thousands of people were rendered homeless, and it is estimated that up to 3,000 people were killed.

Before the great 1906 quake, the city was damaged by tremors in 1865 and 1868, according to American Heritage magazine.